Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Guide

If you are a foreigner earning a monthly salary of $18,000 and would like to start a business or seek for a new job, you can consider apply for the Singapore Personalised Employment Pass.

Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a special visa that falls under the professional tier of the work pass visa issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

A PEP is issued to top-tier foreign professionals and managers with exceptional technical or domain expertise in an area related to their prospective job and is chosen based on the applicant’s individual merits. The other 2 work pass under the professional tier are the Employment Pass (EP) and Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass).

Unlike the 2 visas, the PEP is a self-sponsored working visa, meaning that you do not need an employer’s company to apply for you. You can apply without a job in Singapore and while living overseas.

Therefore, a PEP holder visa is not exclusively attached to only one employer. There are many advantages such as taking a 6 months break from any job or being involved in business coaching etc.

Having a PEP comes with many benefits. Unlike other passes where you are bound by the employer,

The PEP may grant you many privileges. However, the setback is it also comes with its own limitations.

The PEP is meant for top management and professionals, and the eligibility depends on the previous monthly salary draws. 

There are 2 different documents that you will need to prepare, depending on whether you are an existing Employment Pass (EP) holder or not.

You will also need to fill up the PEP application form. All the information and details submitted must be in English. Documents in other languages must be submitted after officially translated.

The processing time for most applications is typically around eight (8) weeks.

Upon approval of your application, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which remains valid for a period of six (6) months. It is important to collect your pass within this timeframe from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) office in Singapore.

Additionally, make sure to bring any additional documents that may have been requested in the letter.

If you are granted a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), it will be valid for a duration of three years. Your dependents who hold a Dependent’s Pass sponsored by the PEP will be permitted to stay in Singapore as long as your pass remains valid.

All your employment information should be updated. This means that you will need to notify MOM through:
1. PEP Notification Form

• Changes in employment status (to be updated within 7 days)
• Change of local contact
•  Annual salary

2. Employment Pass Online Account (EPOL)

• Changes or renewals of travel documents
• Damaged or lost cards
• Change of residential address

There are no options for PEP renewal. In order to continue working after your 3 years with PEP, you can apply for an EP or try to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency. Any cancellation of your PEP can be done at any time but you may not be able to reapply for PEP after cancellation.

Employment Pass (EP) is a pass directed at foreign professionals working in a managerial or executive position or in any specialised fields.

Both the Employment Pass and Personalised Employment Pass share some similarities such as:

• Dependents privileges (able to bring family members under Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass)
• Ability to travel in and out of Singapore without entry visas
• Ability to apply for Permanent Resident status under certain criteria.

Along with these common features, these 2 passes have some significant differences as well. The differences include:

Acquiring a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a relatively straightforward process, provided you gather all the necessary documents, meet the eligibility criteria, present proof of education and salary, and do not hold an existing employment pass. As long as these requirements are fulfilled, applying for a PEP should be a smooth procedure.

However, it is important to note that in certain circumstances, complications may arise during the PEP application process. These complications can occur if there are missing documents or discrepancies in personal details, such as your name.

As a holder of the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), you have the opportunity to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) after residing in Singapore for a minimum of six months. It is important to note that the PR application process follows a separate set of criteria. The assessment for PR takes into consideration factors such as your individual contributions to Singapore, your family profile, and your ability to integrate into Singaporean culture. There is no specific duration of stay required to be eligible for PR.

If you are interested in pursuing PR, you can read our comprehensive guide on how to apply for Singapore PR for detailed information and instructions.

Rejection of a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application is rare, unless the applicant fails to meet the salary criteria or breaches specific work pass conditions. However, in the event of a PEP application rejection, applicants are given a three-month period to lodge an appeal. It is important to proceed with an appeal only if there are strong justifications to support your case.

To begin, carefully review the rejection letter issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and focus on the stated reasons for the rejection. Understanding the specific grounds for rejection is crucial in order to prepare a compelling appeal letter and gather relevant supporting documentation.

The PEP appeal process typically takes around 8 to 10 weeks for processing. If you are uncertain about the reasons for the rejection or if the MOM does not provide clear explanations, seeking professional advice from an immigration consultancy is recommended. Their expertise can provide valuable insights, helping you navigate the appeal process effectively and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

To summarise, the Singapore Personalised Employment Pass holders are similar to a self-sponsored Employment Pass holder. In any case after the cessation of employment, Personalised Employment Pass holders can stay in Singapore for up to 6 months.

But what happens after the validity of 3 years?

As the PEP is valid for only 3 years and only one PEP per lifetime, you are tied down on few options at the end:

Hence, if your end goal is to work and stay in Singapore for at least another 5 to 7 years, it is rationale that you secure a pass that will benefit you in the long run.

The Singapore Personalised Employment Pass is a desirable choice if you are a qualified top professional. It is also an ideal visa choice for high-calibre executives as it allows more freedom and mobility within the employment market. Thereafter, it allows you to apply for Permanent Resident status and secure your goal of staying in the country.